
Recently, Sheila Johnson, the owner of the Washington Mystics, made headlines for her controversial remarks about Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Johnson expressed her dissatisfaction with Clark being named Athlete of the Year by Time Magazine, arguing that the accolade shouldn’t solely belong to her. According to Johnson, while Clark played an important role, the WNBA as a whole, with its collective impact, should have been recognized as Athlete of the Year instead. Clark’s remarkable performance this season, however, caught the attention of many, with her leading the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.
Johnson’s comments about Clark being unworthy of the prestigious title drew significant backlash, especially from legendary athletes in various sports. NBA Hall of Famers such as Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal, as well as tennis icons like Serena Williams and Billie Jean King, have been vocal supporters of Clark’s talent and influence in the sport. Adding to this growing list of defenders, tennis legend Chris Evert also came forward to express her support. Evert, who has an outstanding career and is known for her advocacy for health awareness, praised Clark’s contributions on and off the court. She emphasized that Clark’s recognition was deserved because of her undeniable talent and influence, not just her athletic achievements.
Evert took to social media to voice her thoughts, writing, “Caitlin Clark deserves this award because of her talent and contributions both on and off the court.” Evert, who boasts an impressive 18 Grand Slam titles, knows firsthand how impactful an athlete’s legacy can be, both within and beyond their sport. Her statement added to the growing chorus of admiration for Clark, who has become a symbol of excellence in women’s basketball.
Despite the public scrutiny, Caitlin Clark has not yet publicly addressed Sheila Johnson’s remarks. Throughout her career, Clark has repeatedly shared that she has learned to ignore negative commentary and focus on her performance. Her resilience and determination have been key factors in her success, and her incredible range on the court helped elevate the Fever’s game this year. Clark’s leadership was instrumental in her team’s playoff run, and she was named Rookie of the Year while also being a finalist for the MVP award.
In the face of criticism, Caitlin Clark continues to prove herself as one of the brightest stars in women’s basketball. Her story is one of overcoming adversity, defying expectations, and showing young athletes everywhere what it means to be a leader in sport. Whether or not she responds to the comments from Johnson, Clark’s career trajectory and contributions to the sport speak for themselves.